Have to admit, the big city greens broadcast was fun to watch. Not sure why Mikkola gets as much love as he does...he is a disaster.
Lindgren being out hasn't helped him, having to play extra minutes, but he hasn't been too good either way.
Brind'Amour really isn't a very smart coach. He runs those guys into the ground every regular season. You could see they were out of gas game 7 vs. the Rangers last year. His style is not realistic to making long playoff runs. I wonder if Tampa is about to flip the switch now.
Lindgren missing definitely hurts the defense but considering Nemeth was the #6 last year Mikkola and Harpur are not so bad. Would not be surprised to see Kappo on the bench come playoff time, I don't mind the lack of scoring because he never puts himself in a position to score but his defense is awful. Quenneville is a legitimate name but hasn't been cleared to coach again by the NHL.
I have to.....agree with Dump...of all the ranger forwards Kakko wouldn't be on the top of my list of those who needs improvement in the defensive zone
The impact of Lindgren being out can't be over-stated. Hopefully he is able to come back soon and remains healthy for a playoff run.
Sounds like they're keeping Lindgren out tomorrow, and probably a little extra since they are where they are in the standings.
Like I said - do the math. You guys run on emotion. Nothing is impossible, but the math said/says it was going to be VERY difficult for the Pens to catch the Rangers unless they went 6-0 or 6-1 points against us OR we fell off a cliff with getting points (that was never happening). In other news 3-0-1 in their past 4 games - 7 of 8 points obtained.